I used to manage a company that made, amongst other things, a thermal ceramic plate for inclusion in the casting of armour plate.Apparently there was some kind of "round" that actually burnt it's way through the armour. The inclusion of the thermal ceramic plate stopped it burning through.

When cast the metal permeated the ceramic fibre which meant the temperature resistance was increased.

The same system was used in engine pistons to enable them to run hotter and at higher pressures.